Executive Editor

Unclassified - Rapid City, SD

Full-time - Executive

Rapid City, SD

251-500 employees

About the position

The Rapid City Journal is seeking a top editor to lead, inspire, and grow local journalism while building a relationship with our readers in a vibrant, growing city that boasts one of the country's most beautiful backyards. This position is not just about overseeing the newsroom; it involves planning and strategizing content, editing, reporting, and engaging readers across multiple digital platforms as well as a robust three-day-a-week print edition. The role is hands-on and requires a collaborative spirit, along with a strong desire to mentor and develop journalists in a dynamic and eager newsroom. As the Executive Editor, you will be responsible for building a local editorial board that includes community representatives. This will involve leading a weekly meeting and shaping the publication's voice on key issues affecting the Black Hills region. The Rapid City Journal prides itself on being a digital-first newsroom that prioritizes original and enterprising local reporting, with a significant focus on high school and college sports. The goal is to produce high-quality journalism that is often overlooked in South Dakota, ensuring that the community is well-informed and engaged. The Rapid City Journal is the most prominent news organization in the western half of the state and has recently won the South Dakota NewsMedia Association's award for general excellence in 2023. Rapid City itself is a bustling regional hub located in the heart of the Black Hills, known for its outdoor activities, cultural events, and a growing population of about 80,000. The city is a gateway to five national parks, including the iconic Mount Rushmore, and hosts numerous events that attract visitors year-round, making it an exciting place to live and work.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the newsroom team to produce high-quality journalism.
• Plan and strategize content for both digital and print platforms.
• Edit articles and engage in reporting as needed.
• Build and lead a local editorial board with community representatives.
• Shape the publication's voice on key issues affecting the Black Hills.
• Conduct weekly meetings with the editorial board to discuss strategies and content direction.
• Mentor and develop journalists within the newsroom.
• Prioritize original and enterprising local reporting, especially in high school and college sports.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a senior editorial role, preferably as an editor or managing editor.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and mentor a team.
• Excellent writing, editing, and reporting skills.
• Experience in digital journalism and understanding of digital platforms.
• Ability to engage with the community and build relationships with readers.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in building and leading editorial boards.
• Familiarity with the Black Hills region and its community issues.
• Background in sports journalism, particularly high school and college sports.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Company provided life insurance
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401K retirement plan with company match
• Generous paid time off including paid parental leave.